New England Patriots rookie defensive back Marte Mapu (pectoral) wasn't cleared for full contact during offseason workouts after suffering a torn pectoral in March, but it didn't stop him from flying around on defense in the spring. Mapu always seemed to be around the football and impressed the coaches enough to earn playing time at both linebacker and safety in his rookie season in 2023. New England selected him out of Sacramento State to be a mismatch player, especially one that could thrive on third downs, and so far he has looked the part. The 23-year-old will be one to watch once training camp kicks off at the end of July.
